Boarding School

Boarding school for visually impaired​​​​​​​

About: The project of boarding school for 70 blind & low vision students.

Goal: To provide equal opportunities for people with visual disabilities.

There are 30 educational centers for visually impaired in Ukraine, only 6 of them are boarding schools. Lack of specialized schools leads to social inequality because such children need to study at home.

Location: Lviv, Ukraine

Project Area: 35 935 m2

Year: 2020

Architecture: Anastasiia Fedorova

Animation Video: Viktoriia Aloshyna

Often, when we hear  "visual impairments", we think of blind people, but according to statistics, only 10% of people with critical vision problems are completely blind. Others have a residual vision and the ability to recognize objects and colors.

The site is a part of the system of the regional landscape park "Znesinnya". Also, the design area is located within the historic area of Lviv, namely the buffer zone included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

During the analysis, I have been searching for a proper combination of all important functional zones.

In the scheme of walking paths, you can see "8", a symbolic image of infinity and accessibility. The 8 is created by premises as its borders and two large inside yards.On the other hand, it was important to create a form that would not disturb the natural environment.

The form consists of 2 levels: ground and 1st floors. The 1st level is smoothly immersed in the terrain. It creates an organic-shaped building that grows out of the ground.

In general, the site is a so-called training field for visually impaired children, where they can learn how to orient . In addition, all trails are covered with special tactile markings & contrasting colors.

Common practice tends to establish limits and restrictions for visually impaired people. The belief of this design is to give access to everything and make so visually impaired life more vibrant.

Thank you <3